A new study warns that metformin, a common diabetes drug, could reduce the benefits of exercise for patients with Type 2 diabetes, according to research from Rutgers University. Published in the *Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism*, the study found that adults taking metformin while exercising showed smaller improvements in blood sugar control, vascular function, and aerobic fitness compared to those who exercised without the drug. The findings add to growing evidence that while both metformin and exercise improve blood sugar control and heart health, combining them may diminish some of the drug’s benefits.
Lead author Steven Malin, a professor in the Department of Kinesiology and Health at Rutgers, noted that although metformin is the most widely used glucose-lowering medication globally, its interaction with exercise remains unclear. He warned that combining the drug with physical activity could lead to lower energy levels and potentially impact overall wellness and quality of life. The study, which followed 72 adults at risk for metabolic syndrome, highlighted that those who exercised without metformin showed clear improvements in vascular insulin sensitivity, while the benefits were reduced when the drug was taken alongside exercise.
Researchers theorize that metformin may interfere with the body’s ability to adapt to physical activity at the cellular level. However, they stress that the drug remains a critical treatment for managing diabetes, with over 35 million Americans currently diagnosed with the condition and millions more using metformin for blood sugar control or experimental purposes. Despite the findings, experts like Dr. David Cutler, a board-certified family medicine physician, argue that the drug’s benefits in lowering blood sugar levels significantly reduce the risk of complications like heart attacks, strokes, and kidney failure, making it a first-line treatment for Type 2 diabetes.
The study’s limitations, including its small sample size and focus on individuals at risk for metabolic syndrome, suggest the results may not apply to all diabetes patients. Researchers are now exploring whether metformin interacts differently with resistance or strength training and whether adjusting dosage or timing could mitigate its effects. For now, they urge patients to consult their doctors before changing their medication or exercise routines, emphasizing the importance of personalized medical advice in managing chronic conditions.